The Feline Veterinary Medical Association has released a new educational program designed to prepare general practice veterinarians to evaluate, diagnose, and manage heart disease in cats. The FelineVMA Heart Health Certificate is an online course that helps veterinarians confidently diagnose heart disease, collaborate more effectively with veterinary cardiologists, and deliver advanced cardiac care to feline patients who don’t have access to a specialist.
Heart disease affects up to 16% of cats, many of whom are asymptomatic. “Feline heart disease too often goes undetected until it’s advanced, and that reality is exactly what inspired this program. Up to one in seven cats may be living with undiagnosed heart disease, and that’s a call to action for our profession,” said Dr. Joshua Stern, chair of the Heart Health Task Force.
The program is designed to help veterinarians:
- Confidently triage heart disease
- Detect feline heart conditions early to improve outcomes
- Optimize collaboration with cardiologists
- Provide a wider range of advanced clinical services for clients who don’t have access to a veterinary cardiologist
“The Feline Heart Health Certificate Program empowers primary care veterinarians with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to identify and manage cardiac disease earlier, bridging gaps in access to specialty care and improving outcomes for cats,” said Dr. Stern.
The certificate program comprises 12 modules delivered in a remote, non-interactive lecture format. The modules include:
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Feline Heart
- The Feline Cardiovascular Physical Examination in Health and Disease
- Feline Cardiac Disease Overview
- Non-Echocardiographic Cardiovascular Diagnostics
- Thoracic Point of Care Ultrasound
- Cardiomyopathies I: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiomyopathies II: Other Cardiomyopathies
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Cardiogenic Arterial Thromboembolism
- Managing Cats with Cardiac Disease in the Practice
- Case Studies and Practical Applications
- Client Education and Communication
According to the FelineVMA, this initiative reinforces the organization’s dedication to improving feline health and well-being. The Heart Health Task Force includes board-certified veterinary cardiologists and credentialed veterinary technician specialists, and the project was supported by grants from PRN Pharmacal, Bionote, and MI:RNA Diagnostics.
The program provides 10.25 RACE-approved continuing education credits. It is available to FelineVMA members for $595, non-members for $759, and as a bundle with FelineVMA membership for $830.
Veterinarians interested in completing the program can enroll here.